The Process of Being

Haven't been writing a whole lot on here lately. Been trying to just be and not think too much. 

As the season starts slowing down, I see how much has moved forward in the past year. I typically gage my year not on Jan 1, but summer. It's a time of reflection and of course, travel. Still trying to figure out where to go but in time I'm sure it'll show itself soon enough.

Last year around this time I was preparing for Peru. Looking for answers and a way to release myself from the fear that has had a grip on me for a while now. Ultimately I was looking to learn how to be the person I truly am and live life with an open heart.

The last few months I can really see how that wish has come true. 

My art has been fun and I'm finally showing it to people without having my stomach turn. In fact, I  actually enjoy showing it now which is a switch. 

I try not to worry too much about people's reactions which have been for the most part very kind and supportive. After finally bringing a couple pieces to a local store, I had a random encounter from a friend who runs a local gallery in town suggesting that I apply for membership.

That application includes submitting a few pieces along with an artist statement for a jury panel within two weeks of our conversation.

Now in the past, I would have made up every excuse why I wasn't ready for it but this time I had exactly three older pieces framed per their specs and was ready to go sans artist statement. 


I would have liked to have given newer art but with the time crunch, my old ones would suffice because I love them just as much. They actually were some of the first ones I hung a couple years ago which was quite a stomach turning feat back then. 

So after a great paddle board tour on Friday, I cleaned up and brought them into my friend. She had never seen my art before and I was amazed at how calm and easy it was to get through the whole thing this time around. 

She explained to me the process and if I didn't get in, the reasons why that might be. I told her I was just happy to be offered the opportunity to show which is the truth. It's part of the process right now for me. I know my work will find the proper home or homes. Just being comfortable today with putting it out there, I see how much has changed and am grateful. 

She knew one of my subjects very well. A mahogany seed I had picked up one day at the library. I watched as she looked at the painting and described how beautiful they were after it rained. That's exactly the kind of reaction I want from my art. 


Provoking some kind of personal memory or feeling that gives people a moment of calm, happiness. My artist statement came out in a blip and felt so right, I didn't have to rework it much. 


Andrea agreed it was perfect and really matched what I presented. After the last few years of writing about other peoples work, I think I found a groove in explaining my own. I have a feeling those artist marketing jobs are going to payoff big time in a way I never imagined.

Been enjoying myself with friends and one more than friend. Seeing how having happiness and fun with people can grow if you let it. Not being afraid to share my feelings and seeing the shifts that are happening now are ok. Keeping the thought as a guide that change is good and the only constant. 


Not trying to attach to an outcome manufactured in my head and just letting it all go to where it needs to be feels freeing. It takes practice though.

I did the paddleboard classic yesterday. A 12 mile paddle around the island that I swore I would never do again after last year's conditions. My goal last year was to finish it which I did.. 5 1/2 hours later. This year I had been sick with a cold the week before and I decided to join to be a part of the group for the fun of it. 

Conditions started out ok, but gradually worsened and by the time I made it 3/4 of the way, it just wasn't fun anymore. I could have killed myself to try to prove I could finish it but I already had the year before and was tired. So when a friend yelled out to me from a dock asking if I'd like a beer, I was sold. 

They all laughed cause I guess they tried to convince others to stop but they all continued on the death march. I had reached my limit and didn't feel the need to prove myself anymore. 

My stopping point was good enough for me and besides, I was really hungry. So I drank my beer and dropped off the board easily at the dock then got a barefoot ride with my good work friend. We subsequently got a bite to eat after, a few laughs and it was the perfect way to end my race.

Guess what I'm trying to say is I don't feel the need to prove who I am anymore and in that I'm finding more freedom to be who I really am. People seem to be responding to that too.

Laughter, love, and joy can follow when you just get down to the basics and be you. 

Woot.

Something old.

Something new ~ My how time flies.

The E connection...Above: Gabriella painting by Anfinson early days at the old Lemonade Stand and below now at his awesome 
Mockingbird Studios.

So excited to have a couple days off in a different locale. After a very busy season, I need some days where I don't ask people what they want or need. 

Finished up the paintings, framed them and then brought them into the store. She took all of them which was awesome. It was such a big deal to do this the first time that I cannot believe how easy it was now. 

Above is a book release party at Eric's beautiful Mockingbird Studios.

His yard is amazing and although I was totally listening in this pic, it's hard not to scan the property while doing so. 

I'm pretty sure I was staring at the shack which he graciously let me live in for a few months before Spain. Such good memories of that. His backyard feels like a second home.

The way I ended up in that shack is strangely happening again. My good friend Cricket is leaving town for good. Its sad, but not as jarring as she left the first time. 


Things that started a couple years back then seem to be looping around again in a different form. Perhaps the conclusion of what started? 


I do know one thing. After finishing up the framing and taking those paintings in, something finally released and its all gotten a bit easier lately. 

For now, St Louis is calling. Looking forward to heading home for some downtime to refresh.

How you like..

How you like my logo?

Never really liked signing the front of paintings so this is how we do it here. Branding is ingrained in my brain and this time it's for me. 

Welcome to my alter ego. I'll probably add horns at some point.

Love that the watercolor pencil picked out for it was "Spanish Orange". Made me laugh out loud. 

~ very fitting.

First Framing

First attempt at self-framing. That thrift store frame looks pretty damn good if I do say myself. I have visited Ben Franklin every day for the last three days and have enough spray paint to make a mural. 

Gonna get them all done by Tuesday, Yo.

Forgot how important it is to talk with other artists. Got some good juice last night and am all geared up for this stuff.

Finishing

Spring has sprung and riding around today, I forgot how beautiful Old Town can be. 

Been having some fun finding thrift store frames and figuring out how to repaint them so I can frame some of my pieces in an affordable manner. Framing usually costs an arm and a leg but is such an important part. I've always put it off for some reason. I really like this way of doing it.

Treasure hunting in the Salvation Army has become a rush and I hate to say it but maybe Garage Sale Saturdays might yield more. There's something about looking past the surface ugly to uncover pure gold. Sometimes that in the past has lead me astray but in this case, it's working.

So far so good. Ben Franklin has the mats and glass and I made friends with the resident framer who is also a watercolor artist. He understands the thrift. I need to ask him about where to get my hands on some butchers paper.

But its not just the money. The fun part about this thrifting is coming across wooden frames that have some character. I match up each painting with its framing cohort. The other benefit - bike rides.

While riding and picking up spray paint and other supplies, I get more inspiration. My leaf obsession is ongoing and its perfect that it's going to be the first round that gets framed. Above is a leaf I picked up a couple months ago. I love it.

What a great day off.

Another...

Another frog jumped out at me from nowhere.

Dear Frog...

Are you trying to tell me something or are you just a stalker? Sorry I left you on the bike path that day but it appears you found your way.

Whatever you are, thanks for the smile today.

Frogger

Whilest taking a beach bike ride this morning, I found a friend along the path. 

I was weaving around joggers when I decided to look down at my arm and found this frog on it. It kinda looked like this guy I drew a time ago and it was looking directly up at me.

I'm not gonna lie. It scared the crap out of me that it came out of nowhere,  landed on my arm and was now staring into my soul. 


So as any girl would, I let out a little scream, instinctively shook my arm and it fell.

Feeling bad for my shock shake I went back to make sure it was off the path. I didn't want it to get hurt or squished but it totally disappeared. 

Don't know if you believe in totem animals or animal energy, but usually when one shows up in your life it means something. 

Here's the frog:

A frog symbolizes coming into your personal power, reminding you not to become bogged down with day-to-day living. You give support and energy where it is needed, and can cleanse the negativity from an environment.

Okey dokey. Thanks little buddy.

Party Train

Whoa.

I think I finally stepped off the holiday party train. Yes, I know. It's March. 

Guess I needed to blow off some built up steam. Umm...just didn't know that I had that much to blow off.  

Back to work and in work I mean my actual work, not the day jobs. 

Have begun to hear the travel drum beating. So looking forward to seeing how it all begins to take shape. Getting excited for the new possibilities and feeling the anticipation of diving into the unknown. 

All right, here we go.